Curtain draw assembly

ABSTRACT

A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle to movably suspend a set of curtains at an open, closed or selected intermediate position. A transverse unit is constituted as a pair of integrally connected tubular rods defining adjacent enclosed channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit. The traverse unit is adapted to conform to interior bends and curves of the vehicle. A closed loop draw cord is threaded through the channels and has loop ends extending from each end of the traverse unit. One loop end is trained about a drive pulley to linearly draw the draw cord. The other loop end is trained about an idler pulley. One of the tubular rods has a downwardly open slot coextensive with the length of the rod. Hanging elements, as hooks, engage the draw cord and depend through the slot for supporting a curtain.

United States Patent [19] Whitney [111 3,861,738 1 Jan. 21, 1975 CURTAINDRAW ASSEMBLY [76] Inventor: Keith B. Whitney, c/o Keith Whitney, Inc.,130 S. 8th St., Edina, Minn. 55402 22 Filed: Aug. 16, 1973 211 App].No.2 388,820

[52] US. Cl. 296/138, 160/331 [51] Int. Cl B60j 1/00 [58] Field ofSearch 296/138; 160/330, 331, 160/23 R, 265, 345, 352, 273

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,595,669 8/1926 Kurner160/331 X 2,043,981 6/1936 Bickel 160/331 X 2,245,411 6/1941 Oatman296/146 2,468,453 3/1949 Mallentjer.... 160/331 2,786,522 3/1957 Weber160/345 2,798,194 7/1957 Cantin 160/331 X 3,051,232 8/1962 Lamb 160/368R 3,091,286 5/1963 Madsen 160/331 Primary ExaminerRobert B. ReevesAssistant ExaminerJoseph J. Rolla [57] ABSTRACT A draw assembly forcurtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle to movably suspenda set of curtains at an open, closed or selected intermediate posi'tion. A transverse unit is constituted as apair of integrally connectedtubular rods defining adjacent enclosed channels coextensive with thelength of the traverse unit. The traverse unit is adapted to conform tointerior bends and curves of the vehicle. A closed loop draw cord isthreaded through the channels and has loop ends extending from each endof the traverse unit. One-loop end is trained about a drive pulley tolinearly draw the draw cord. The other loop end is trained about anidler pulley. One of the tubular rods has a downwardly open slotcoextensive with the length of the rod. Hanging elements, as hooks,engage the draw cord and depend through the slot forsup PATENTED JANZII975 SHEET 1 OF 2 CURTAIN DRAW ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONwindows in order to attain privacy, for example, in

camping vehicles, station wagon automobiles, vans, and the like. Suchcurtains typically are freely suspended from a rod and are manuallymovable to the desired position. Traverse rods of the prior art are notus able in such vehicles due to the inability of such rods to negotiatecurves and bends in the vehicle. For example, see US. Fat. No. 2,786,522to Weber; US. Pat. No. 3,155,149 to Ford; and US. Pat. No. RE-26,269 toFord. These structures present relatively complex mechanisms which arenot susceptible of being conformed to wall irregularities or right angleturns. There is a need for a curtain draw assembly for. installation ina vehicle that is conformable to the interior curves and bends of thevehicle and which may be operated from a single remote station. At thesame time, it is desirable to have a less complex curtain draw assemblythat is conveniently and economically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a draw assembly forcurtains for installation in the interior of vehicles, such as campingvehicles, station wagon automobiles and vans; although the draw assemblyof the invention finds utility in any small space where the traverseunit must conform to bends, curves, bumps, and the like. The curtaindraw assembly includes an elongated traverse unit having mutuallyintegral, parallel, first and second tubular rods defining enclosedchannels coextensive with the length of the rods. A closed loop drawcord is threaded through the first and second channels and has loop endsextending outward at either end of the traverse unit. One loop endengages a drive pulley and the other loop end is trained about an idlerpulley. The traverse unit is installed inside a vehicle or otherconfined space, and is longitudinally shaped to conform to the curvesand bends of the interior wall of the vehicle. One of the channels has adownwardly open slot. A plurality of curtain suspending members or hookshave eyelets which surround that portion of the draw cord which islocated in the channel having the downwardly open slot. The lead hook issecurely fastened to the draw cord while the following hooks are freelysupported in surrounding relation to the draw cord. The hook eyeletswhich surround the draw cord are smaller in transverse dimension thanthe slot in the channel, but are larger than the slot in the plane ofthe eyelet. Upon actuation of the drive pulley, the lead hook fixed tothe draw cord draws the curtain in the direction of movement of the drawcord. The dual channel traverse unit keeps the portions of the draw cordlocated in the respective channels separate to avoid entanglement.

In a preferred embodiment, two curtain draw assemblies are used incooperation with a common drive means to cover the desired expanse ofthe vehicle interior. A tension developing assembly at the idler pulleyof each curtain draw assembly permits movement of the draw cord of oneassembly while the other is stopped as by having reached the desiredlocation.

An object of the invention is to provide a draw assembly for curtainsfor installation in a vehicle or other confined space. A further objectis to provide such an assembly having a traverse unit conformable tobonds and curves and the like according to the interior shape of thevehicle. A further object is to provide such a curtain draw asemblyeasily operable by the vehicle operator to quickly effect opening andclosure of the curtains. A still further object is to provide such anassembly which can be economically and conveniently manufactured. Otherobjects of the invention will become apparent upon the followingdescription.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a top plan view of a pair of cooperatingcurtain draw assemblies of the present invention installed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a curtain draw assemblyinstalled in the vehicle of FIG. I with portins of the traverse unitbroken away for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the drive unit of the curtaindraw assemblies shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the drive unit of FIG. 3 taken along theline 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of the tension developing unit ofthe curtain draw assemblies of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a portionof traverse unit as seen in th upper left hand corner of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, there isshown in FIG. 1 a A vehicle 10, as a van, having a generally rectangularinterior and equipped with a pair of cooperating curtain draw assembliesl2, 13 according to the present invention. A first curtain draw assembly12 has a traverse unit 14 including a longitudinal section 15 extendingfrom the interior right-rear corner of the vehicle 10, forwardly alongthe right side of the vehicle. Section 15 joins at an elbow 16 a lateralsection 18 extending across the front of the vehicle to the front-leftcorner. Traverse unit 14, as shown in fragmentary section in FIG. 2,includes a pair of parallel, tubular rods each defining an enclosedchannel, a first or upper rod 19 being vertically spaced from a parallelsecond or lower rod 20. Upper and lower rods 19, 20 are integrallyconnected by a web 22. Fasteners, as screws 23, fasten the traverse unit14 at web 22 to the side wall 24 of the vehicle in proximity to theceiling thereof.

Upper rod 19 defines an enclosed upper channel 26 coextensive with thelength of upper rod 19, while lower rod 20 similarly defines an enclosedlowerchannel 27 coextensive with the length of lower rod 20. The upperand lower channels 26, 27 are open at the respective ends of traverseunit 14. Elbow I6 is provided to negotiate the right angle turn oftraverse rod 14, and is connected to sections 15 and 17 in suitablefashion to obtain a smooth continuous interior wall for the upper andlower channels 26, 27. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the abuttingends of elbow l6 and longitudinal section 15 are provided with matinginterior notches 28, 29 defining an interior cylindrical cavity. Acylindrical plug 31 having the same interior diameter as channel 26 isforce-fitted in the interior cylindrical cavity defined by the notches28, 29 to hold the elbow l6 and the section 15 in abutting relationship.Other means could be provided, as by suitable bonding or the like.

Sections and 17 of traverse unit 14 are linear and, it may be seen, maybe easily manufactured by extruding aluminum or plastic or the like. Thesections are formable from a malleable material whereby they are easilymade to conform to bends and curves in the vehicle wall, whereas forabrupt or right angle turns, sections or elbows such as the elbow 16,are used.

An endless loop draw cord 32 is threaded through the upper and lowerchannels 26, 27 of traverse unit 14, and has loop ends extending outwardof either end of the traverse unit 14. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theloop end of cord 32 emerging from the end of traverse unit 14 locatedrearwardly of the vehicle is trained about an idler pulley 33. Abifurcated brace 35 connected to the web 22 of traverse rod 14 carries apulley pin 36 of pulley 33. Idler pulley 33 is connected to the vehiclewall be means of a tension developing unit. A bracket 37 has a pair ofarms 39 which engage the pulley pin 36. A pair of tension springs 40 areconnected to the opposite end of bracket 37. The opposite ends oftension springs 40 are connected by suitable means, as an eye 41, inproximity to the rear wall of the vehicle. The tension developing unitregulates slippage of the cord 32 over the pulley 33 and maintainstension in the assembly. A suitable casing 43 shrouds the ends of thesprings 40 for aesthetic considerations.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the loop end of draw cord 32 emerging fromthe forward end of traverse unit 14 passes around a pair of verticallyaligned guide pulleys 44 to negotiate a right angle turn. The loop endthen extends from guide pulleys 44 and is trained about a drive pulley45 mounted on a power unit 47, as will be.

more fully explained. Guide pulleys 44 are rotatably mounted on arms 46extending from power unit 47. Drive pulley 45 is adapted for poweredrotation to move draw cord 32 through the upper and lower channels 26,27 of traverse unit 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, lower channel 27 of lower rod is provided with adownwardly open slot 48 coextensive with the length of traverse unit 14.A plurality of curtain suspending elements or hooks 49 surround drawcord 32 and depend through the slot 48. As best seen in FIG. 4, eachhook 49 has an eyelet 51 surrounding the draw cord 32, a shank 52depending through the slot 48, and a hook portion 53 located exterior ofthe channel 27. Referring again to FIG. 2, the upper edge of a curtain55 has a plurality of supporting loops 56. Hooks 49 successively engagethe curtain loops 56 to support the curtain 55. A lead hook 49A fixedlyengages the curtain loop 56 immediately adjacent the leading edge ofcurtain 55. Lead hook 49A is secured to draw cord 32 for movement withdraw cord 32 as by crimping the eyelet 51 snugly to cord 32. Theremaining hooks 49 are freely suspended from rod 20 capable of slidingmovement relative thereto. The eyelets 51 of the hooks 49 have anoutside diameter larger than the width of slot 48 whereby cord 32 andhooks 49 are maintained in lower channel 47. The eyelets are smaller intransverse dimension than the slot for easy insertion of the eyelets inthe channel.

Upper channel 26 is provided with an upwardly open slot 54, as shown inFIG. 4, symmetrical to slot 48 whereby the sections of traverse unit 14are symmetrically fabricated and usable with either rod in the lowerposition.

The trailing edge of curtain 55 is fixed in proximity to the right-rearcorner of vehicle 10 or near the casing 43. Curtain 55 is of sufficientwidth to extend the length of traverse unit 14. It may be seen that uponmovement imparted to draw cord 32 by drive pulley 45, curtain 55 isdrawn along the length of traverse rod 14. Rotation of drive pulley 45,as shown in FIG. 4, in a counter-clockwise direction, draws the curtain55 to a closed position as lead hook 49A pulls the leading edge ofcurtain 55 whereby the curtain shrouds the interior walls and windows ofthe vehicle, for example, the window 57, as shown in FIG. 2. Rotation ofdrive pulley 45 in the opposite or clockwise direction opens the curtain55. Lead hook 49A pushes the curtain 55 along the length of traverseunit 14 to the right-rear corner of vehicle 10 where it is bunched forstorage.

The second curtain draw assembly 13, as shown in FIG. 1, includes atraverse unit 59 having a lateral section 60 extending from the interiorright-rear corner of vehicle 10 across the rear wall thereof. Section 60joins at an elbow 61 a longitudinal section 63. Longitudinal section 63extends along the left side of vehicle 10 to a position adjacent thepower unit 47 located at the left front corner of the vehicle.

Traverse unit 59 is identical in cross section construction to traverseunit 14, having upper and lower tubular rods 64, 65, as shown in FIG. 4,integrally connected bya web 67 and defining upper and lower channels68, 69 coextensive with the length of the traverse unit 59. An endlessloop draw cord 71 is threaded through the upper and lower channels 68,69 and has loop ends extending outboard of the ends of traverse unit 59.The forward loop end of draw cord 71, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, engagesa drive pulley 72 mounted on drive unit 47. The rear loop end, as shownin FIG. 5, engages an idler pulley 73. idler pulley 73 is rotatablymounted on a pulley pin 75 supported between opposing legs of abifurcated brace 76 connected to the web 67 of traverse unit 59. Abracket 77 has a pair of arms 78 which engage pulley pin 75. A pair oftension springs 79 are connected to the opposite end of bracket 77. Theopposite ends of tension springs 79 are connected to the eye 41 inproximity to the rear wall of the vehicle.

Lower channel 69 of rod is provided with a downwardly open slot,indicated at 81 in FIG. 4, coextensive with the length of traverse unit59. A plurality of hooks 82 surround draw cord 71 and depend throughslot 81 as previously described. A lead hook 82A is fixed to draw cord71 as by crimping. Lead hook 82A may optionally function to hold theends of draw cord 71 together so as to make it endless. The remaininghooks 82 are freely suspended from the rod 65 and are capable of slidingmovement relative thereto. Lead hook 82A engages a curtain loop 83located adjacent the leading edge of a curtain 84. As previouslydescribed, powered rotation of drive pulley 72 is functional to causecurtain 84 to move back and forth along the traverse unit 59.

Power unit 47 is mounted by suitable fasteners as bolts 86 to the leftwall of the vehicle l0'adjacent the front thereof in proximity to thevehicle operators station 87. Spacers 88 space the power unit 47 awayfrom the wall whereby the drive pulleys 45, 72 are located between thepower unit 47 and the vehicle wall. Power unit 47 includes an electricmotor 89 mounted on a gear housing 90. Motor 89 receives electricalpower from the vehicle battery or other suitable source (not shown).Drive shafts 92, 93 extend from the drive pulleys 45, 72, respectively,into gear housing 90. Suitable conventional gearing, as is known in theart, is provided in gear box 90 for the simultaneous rotation of driveshafts 92, 93 in opposite directions upon actuation of motor 89. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, internally of gear housing 90, drive shafts92, 93 are provided with circular meshing gears 94, 95. Rotation of thedrive pulley 72, as by direct drive from motor 89 on drive shaft 93,effects opposite rotation of drive shaft 92 and drive pulley 45 throughthe meshing gears 94, 95. Usual and preferred motor controls or switches96, 97 mounted adjacent the motor 89 are provided to drive motor 89 inthe desired direction.

Stop means may optionally be provided in association with the curtaindraw assemblies to stop forward movement of the curtain when it hasreached the desired location. As an example, in FIG. 3 there is shown astop means comprised as a stop element or bar 50 mounted on the interiorwall of vehicle proximate to drive pulley 72, and projected into thepath of lead hook 82A of draw curtain assembly 13. Bar 50 will engageand stop lead hook 82A to stop curtain 84 when the leading edge ofcurtain 84 has reached a location adjacent drive pulley 72.

In use, when the curtains 55, 84 are in an open configuration, they arebunched in the right rear corner of the vehicle 10, the plurality ofhooks 49, 82 being crowded together on the draw cords 32, 71,respectively. The rear edges of the curtains may be overlapped toconceal the interior right rear corner of the vehicle. Alternatively, itmay be seen that the curtains 55, 84 could be constituted as a singleelongated curtain. The operator, desirous of closing the curtains,operates the appropriate switch control of motor 89 to actuate motor 89to effect powered rotation of drive pulley 72 in a clockwise direction,as viewed in FIG. 4. The lower portion of draw cord 71 is drawnforwardly along traverse unit 59, drawing curtain 84 along with it. Atthe same time, through the interconnecting gears 94, 95, drive pulley 45is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4. Drivepulley 45 draws the lower portion of draw cord 32 forwardly of thevehicle, drawing the curtain 55 along with it.

When the curtains 55, 84 are drawn to a fully closed orientation or adesired intermediate orientation, the operator stops the motor 89. Ifone curtain reaches the closed position before the other, for examplethe curtain 84, then stop bar 50 stops the curtain 84 from furthermovement and the draw cord 71 slips on drive pulley 72. Curtain 55continues to travel along traverse rod 14 until it finally reaches theclosed position.

To again open the curtains, the operator reverses the motor 89 and thecurtains are drawn back to the open configuration, bundled in theright-rear corner of the vehicle 10.

While there have been shown and described an electric motor 89, it isapparent that a manual motor could be provided, as of the hand crankvariety. Additionally, it is apparent that a single drive pulley havingdual sheaves could be used if one of the loop ends engaging the drivepulley were given a half-twist.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of avehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoiningangular relation to each other, said assembly including:

a first traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vahicle, having afirst elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channelcoextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubularrod de fining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length ofthe second tubular rod;

said first and second tubular rods of said first traverse unit beingparallel and integrally connected to each other and having aconfiguration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at leasttwo of said adjacent walls;

said first and second channels being open at either end of said firsttraverse unit;

a first endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel andsaid second channel and having first and second loop ends extendingoutward of either end of said first traverse unit;

a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatably mountedproximate to one end of said first traverse unit;

one loop end of said first draw cord engaging said drive means forpowered movement of said first draw cord;

a first idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end ofsaid first traverse unit;

the other loop end of said first draw cord being trained over said firstidler pulley;

said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardlyopen slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length ofsaid tubular rod;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding thefirst draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rodof the first traverse unit and having a portion depending through saidslot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, one of said curtainsuspending elements fixedly engaging said first draw cord;

a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having afirst elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channelcoextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubularrod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length ofthe second tubular rod;

said first and second tubular rods of said second traverse unit beingparallel and integrally connected to each other and having aconfiguration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relationship to atleast two of said adjacent walls;

said first and second channels being open at either end of said firsttraverse unit;

a second endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel andsaid second channel of the second traverse unit and having first andsecond loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverseunit;

one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means forsimultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with said firstdraw cord;

a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end ofsaid second traverse unit;

the other loop end of said second draw cord being trained over saidsecond idler pulley;

said second tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardlyopen slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length ofsaid tubular rod; and

a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding thesecond draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rodof the second traverse unit and having a portion depend.- ing throughsaid slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of saidcurtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said second draw cord,whereby operation of the drive means is effective to simultaneouslyextend and retract a first and second curtain relative to said sidewalls.

2. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit is anextruded member.

3. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said drive means includes anelectric motor operable to selectively rotate said drive pulley.

4. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first idler pulley isconnected to a tension spring, said tension spring adapted to beconnected to the vehicle wall.

5. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first tubular rod and saidsecond tubular rod of said first traverse unit are connected by a web,said second tubular rod being located vertically beneath said firsttubular rod.

6. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit has aplurality of sections joined together by at least one elbow to negotiateright angle turns within said vehicle.

7. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said curtain hanging elementsare constituted as books, each having an eyelet for surrounding a drawcord, said eyelets having a diameter larger than the width of said slotsand a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slots, a shankfor extending through a slot, and a hook portion adapted to engage acurtain loop on a curtain, one of said hooks being a lead hook on eachdraw cord secured to the draw cord, the remaining hooks being slideablymovable relative to the cord.

8. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of avehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and frontand rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the sidewalls, includmg:

a first traverse unit installed along a first side wall and a first endwall;

said first traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the junctureof the end wall and side wall;

said first traverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lowertubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with thelength of the traverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverseunit;

a first endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lowerchannels of the first traverse unit and having first and second loopends extending from the ends of the traverse unit;

said lower tubular rod being provided with a coextensive, downwardlyopen slot open to said channel;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideablysurrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having aportion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freelysuspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elementsbeing fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord;

said eyelets on said draw cord having a diameter larger than the widthof said slot and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of saidslot;

a first idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall;

one of said loop ends of said first draw cord operatively engaging thefirstidler pulley;

drive means adapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper'andlower channels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a firstcurtain relative to said first side wall and end wall;

the other loop end of said first draw cord operatively engaging saiddrive means;

a second traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the otherend wall;

said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the junctureof the end wall and the side wall;

said second traverse unit having integral parallel upper and lowertubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with thelength of said,

second traverse unit and open ended at each end of said second traverseunit;

a second endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lowerchannels of the second traverse unit and having first and second loopends extending from the ends of the traverse unit;

said lower tubular rod of said second traverse unit being provided witha coextensive downwardly open slot open to the lower channel;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideablyengaging said second draw cord in said lower rod channel and having aportion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freelysuspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements beingfixed relative to a portion of said draw cord;

a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall;

one of said loop ends of said second draw cord engaging the second idlerpulley;

the other loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive meanswhereby said second draw cord is simultaneously movable with said firstdraw cord upon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend andretract a second curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wallupon extension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the firstside wall and rear wall; and

said first traverse unit and said second traverse unit havingoverlapping portions in proximity to the drive means.

9. The draw assembly of claim 8 wherein: said drive means includes afirst drive pulley, one loop end of said first draw cord engaging thefirst drive pulley; a second drive pulley, one loop end of said seconddraw cord engaging said second drive pulley; power means for selectivepowered rotation of one drive pulley; and gear means operablyassociating the first and second drive pulleys whereby upon rotation ofone drive pulley in one direction, the other pulley rotates in anopposite direction.

10. The draw assembly fo claim 9 wherein: said power means includes anelectric motor.

11. The draw assembly of claim 8 including: tension spring assembliesconnecting said idler pulleys to the vehicle walls.

1. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of avehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoiningangular relation to each other, said assembly including: a firsttraverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a firstelongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensivewith the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defininga second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the secondtubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said first traverseunit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having aconfiguration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at leasttwo of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open ateither end of said first traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cordthreaded through said first channel and said second channel and havingfirst and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said firsttraverse unit; a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatablymounted proximate to one end of said first traverse unit; one loop endof said first draw cord engaging said drive means for powered movementof said first draw cord; a first idler pulley rotatably mountedproximate to the other end of said first traverse unit; the other loopend of said first draw cord being trained over said first idler pulley;said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardlyopen slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length ofsaid tubular rod; a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideablysurrounding the first draw cord located in the second channel of thesecond tubular rod of the first traverse unit and having a portiondepending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain,one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said first drawcord; a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle,having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channelcoextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubularrod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length ofthe second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of saidsecond traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to eachother and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallelrelationship to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first andsecond channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; asecond endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel andsaid second channel of the second traverse unit and having first andsecond loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverseunit; one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive meansfor simultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with saidfirst draw cord; a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate tothe other end of said second traverse unit; the other loop end of saidsecond draw cord being trained over said second idler pulley; saidsecond tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardly openslot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of saidtubular rod; and a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideablysurrounding the second draw cord located in the second channel of thesecond tubular rod of the second traverse unit and having a portiondepending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain,one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said seconddraw cord, whereby operation of the drive means is effective tosimultaneously extend and retract a first and second curtain relative tosaid side walls.
 2. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said firsttraverse unit is an extruded member.
 3. The draw assembly of claim 1wherein: said drive means includes an electric motor operable toselectively rotate said drive pulley.
 4. The draw assembly of claim 1wherein: said first idler pulley is connected to a tension spring, saidtension spring adapted to be connected to the vehicle wall.
 5. The drawassembly of claim 1 wherein: said first tubular rod and said secondtubular rod of said first traverse unit are connected by a web, saidsecond tubular rod being located vertically beneath said first tubularrod.
 6. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unithas a plurality of sections joined together by at least one elbow tonegotiate right angle turns within said vehicle.
 7. The draw assembly ofclaim 1 wherein: said curtain hanging elements are constituted as hooks,each having an eyelet for surrounding a draw cord, said eyelets having adiameter larger than the width of said slots and a transverse dimensionsmaller than the width of said slots, a shank for extending through aslot, and a hook portion adapted to engage a curtain loop on a curtain,one of said hooks being a lead hook on each draw cord secured to thedraw cord, the remaining hooks being slideably movable relative to thecord.
 8. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly ofa vehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and frontand rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the sidewalls, including: a first traverse unit installed along a first sidewall and a first end wall; said first traverse unit having a curvedelbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and side wall; said firsttraverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rodsdefining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of thetraverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverse unit; a firstendless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels ofthe first traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extendingfrom the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod beingprovided with a coextensive, downwardly open slot open to said channel;a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideablysurrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having aportion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freelysuspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elementsbeing fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; said eyelets onsaid draw cord having a diameter larger than the width of said slot anda transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slot; a firstidler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of saidfirst draw cord operatively engaging the first idler pulley; drive meansadapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper and lowerchannels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a firstcurtain relative to said first side wall and end wall; the other loopend of said first draw cord operatively engaging said drive means; asecond traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the otherend wall; said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at thejuncture of the end wall and the side wall; said second traverse unithaving integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper andlower channels coextensive with the length of said second traverse unitand open ended at each end of said second traverse unit; a secondendless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels ofthe second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extendingfrom the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod of saidsecond traverse unit being provided with a coextensive downwardly openslot open to the lower channel; a plurality of curtain suspendingelements having eyelets slideably engaging said second draw cord in saidlower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, saidelements adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtainsuspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord;a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop endsof said second draw cord engaging the second idler pulley; the otherloop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means whereby saidsecond draw cord is simultaneously movable with said first draw cordupon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend and retract asecond curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wall uponextension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the first sidewall and rear wall; and said first traverse unit and said secondtraverse unit having overlapping portions in proximity to the drivemeans.
 9. The draw assembly of claim 8 wherein: said drive meansincludes a first drive pulley, one loop end of said first draw cordengaging the first drive pulley; a second drive pulley, one loop end ofsaid second draw cord engaging said second drive pulley; power means forselective powered rotation of one drive pulley; and gear means operablyassociating the first and second drive pulleys whereby upon rotation ofone drive pulley in one direction, the other pulley rotates in anopposite direction.
 10. The draw assembly fo claim 9 wherein: said powermeans includes an electric motor.
 11. The draw assembly of claim 8including: tension spring assemblies connecting said idler pulleys tothe vehicle walls.